An Unusual Compromise: a Darcy/Elizabeth story | IF-NC_Entry| Ch3-pg.5 - Page 3

Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy scowled as he observed his younger brother making a fool of himself in front of complete strangers. He roared in laughter and danced every dance with the young ladies present. He imbibed in drink more than he should and flirted with the young ladies, being charming enough not to raise eyebrows but making the young ladies giggle coyly. Miss Elizabeth Bennet in particular appeared to hang off every word of his brother, making witty remarks and laughing out loud at his jokes. She was not as inappropriate as her younger sisters, but she was too unrestrained for Fitzwilliam's taste. It did not help that his brother incited her laughter and exuberance with his witticisms.

He will tarnish the Darcy reputation,' he thought with annoyance, Father never did temper that exuberance as he should have.'

The late Mr. Darcy had always gotten along with his younger son over his elder. Fitzwilliam Darcy, like their mother, Lady Anne Darcy, was an introvert. He preferred to observe people and be assured of their worth before making an acquaintance. He was cautious and controlled, wary of making mistakes that might reflect poorly on his family. Perhaps this cautiousness was due to his father's training, for the late Mr. Darcy had hammered into both his sons the importance of reputation. The elder in particular, being his heir, was often taken to task for the smallest of mistakes, whereas the younger was indulged and pampered.

Fitzwilliam did love his younger brother, for Jonathan could be hardworking if he put his mind to it. The problem was that he hardly ever did, preferring to enjoy himself and reap the benefits of his family name without proving himself worthy of it. How he had become a barrister, Fitzwilliam hardly knew, but he hoped fervently that his younger brother proved himself worthy of the role and settled down before he became a laughingstock among the haute ton. A good marriage to a worthy young woman might temper some of that enthusiasm.

Miss Elizabeth Bennet is not the one,' Fitzwilliam scowled again as he observed his younger brother asking Miss Elizabeth for a second set in Sir William Lucas's soiree a week after the Meryton Assembly. If Jonathan keeps this up, he will raise expectations that he will not be able to fulfill.'

The elder Mr. Darcy had set aside a sum of money for his younger son, but it would not be enough to accommodate him in the lifestyle he had become accustomed to if Jonathan did not marry an heiress. Being a second son, he had to marry for wealth if he wished to remain wealthy. The Bennets did not have what he required. What then was he doing raising their expectations?

Later that night, after the Netherfield party had returned home and retired for the night, Fitzwilliam approached his brother in the sitting room of his guest chamber.

"Jonathan, a word if you please, he said curtly.

"So formal, brother? Jonathan smirked at his brother.

Ignoring him, Fitzwilliam continued, "I have observed your attentions to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and I demand you desist at once.

"You sound like Aunt Catherine, Jonathan crossed his arms cheekily, his brows raised.

"I am serious, Jonathan! Fitzwilliam barked, losing his temper. "You are raising expectations which you will not be able to fulfill.

"I am raising no expectations, Jonathan retorted, "Miss Elizabeth knows not to expect anything from me that I cannot give.

"Regardless of her family's status, she is a gentleman's daughter, Jonathan. She is not to be trifled with! Fitzwilliam warned.

"Relax brother, nobody is trifling with anyone, Jonathan laughed merrily, making his brother sigh with frustration, "I am only enjoying a little harmless flirtation with Miss Elizabeth. She is far too clever and staid to expect anything more. In fact, she would be perfect for you, brother! She could be a little too proper at times. I require more high-spiritedness in a life partner!

"Just be careful, Jonathan. Our family's reputation is at stake, Fitzwilliam cautioned, "Particularly after the events of this summer with Georgiana...

Jonathan's expression darkened at that reference to their younger sister. "Is that all you care about? Our family's reputation? I pity you, brother, for more was at stake this summer than our reputation.

"You know what I speak of! Fitzwilliam thundered. "I care about Georgiana more than my very life, but our existence means nothing if we are shunned by society...

"Society! Jonathan sneered, walking out of the room scornfully. Fitzwilliam stared at his back in frustration. He and his brother had been very close as young boys. When had they grown so apart that their very mindsets differed so greatly?

[2053 words]

"Lizzy, tell me about Mr. Jonathan Darcy, Jane asked her sister affectionately and yet seriously.

"What do you wish to hear, Jane? Elizabeth asked her sister with a blush. It had been a month since her acquaintance with the younger Darcy brother, and he continued to set her heart aflutter. She was not yet in love with him, like her sister claimed to be in love with Mr. Bingley, but she felt she could love him soon, perhaps in another month or two, once she knew his personality a little better. Jonathan Darcy was everything pleasant and amiable, but he did not share too much about himself, besides the superficial. Lizzy required to know more about his character.

"You appear to like him very much, Jane teased lovingly. "Are you in love?

Lizzy glared at her sister but then smiled. "I do not love him Jane, not like you love your Mr. Bingley!

"He is not my Mr. Bingley, Lizzy, Jane blushed, "And do not avoid the question!

"I am not avoiding, dear Jane, Lizzy laughed, "I can honestly say I do not love him quite yet. He is an amiable man, but...

"But what, my dear? Jane asked with concern.

"Oh, it is nothing concerning! Lizzy quickly assured her. "It is just that he does not reveal himself very deeply. I wish to know about the man I am to marry more than the superficial aspects. I wish to know his personality, be able to respect his character. I need to know I need to know that he can respect me, a woman with opinions, and allow me my freedom and independence after marriage. I do not yet know if Mr. Jonathan Darcy is that man.

"I am certain he does respect you, Jane said sweetly, assured as she was that every person must have the purest of motives. "But you are right in wishing more time to understand him.

"Now let us speak of you! Lizzy quickly changed the subject. "I wish to hear your opinion of Mr. Bingley. The rest of the night was spent teasing Jane about her love-struck suitor.

A week later, the five Bennet sisters walked to Meryton to run some errands for their mother, and they came upon a group of officers accompanied by Mr. Jonathan Darcy himself. The officers were a source of great contention in the Bennet household, for they sent Mrs. Bennet and her two youngest daughters into titters that gave Mr. Bennet a headache. They belonged to the militia and were quartered in Meryton for the winter. Mr. Bennet dreaded the coming months when he would not hear the end of it from his wife and daughters.

"Denny! Lydia shrieked, alerting one of the officers to their presence. Mr. Denny grinned at the sight of her and trooped over, attended by his cohorts.

"Lydia! Jane chided her sister, but Lydia ignored her and ran over to meet Mr. Denny in the middle of the crowded street, accompanied by an eager Kitty. Sighing with exasperation, Jane, Elizabeth and Mary followed their sisters to ensure they behaved themselves.

"Denny, who is this new officer? Won't you introduce us? Lydia asked brazenly, glancing at the new member in the group. He was a tall and handsome young man with dark hair and features. He sported a wide grin that appeared eager to make their acquaintance. Elizabeth was immediately disposed to like him.

"As the higher ranking gentleman of our group, I believe it falls to Mr. Darcy here to make the introduction, Denny said, smirking at the latter with raised brows.

Jonathan Darcy rolled his eyes good-naturedly, but made the appropriate introductions between Mr. Wickham and the young ladies.

Before any other conversation could take place, Mr. Bingley and the elder Mr. Darcy approached them on a pair of handsome stallions. Jane blushed at the sight of Mr. Bingley and immediately approached him with pleasure. When Mr. Darcy nodded at Elizabeth, she nodded back politely but chose to ignore him. She did not like him very much, for he appeared to disdain the entire neighborhood and clearly looked down at his brother's association with her. Elizabeth hoped he would not cause problems for her and his brother, if indeed their relationship progressed a step further.

Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy just then caught sight of Mr. Wickham and glowered ominously. Mr. Wickham gave a polite bow in greeting, but Mr. Darcy sneered down at him and turned his back, riding away quickly.

Before he left, he barked, "Jonathan! I require your presence at once.

Jonathan Darcy did not look pleased to be summoned so discourteously by his brother, but he followed him without argument. Elizabeth frowned, displeased with the entire exchange and disappointed with her potential suitor for not standing up to his brother.

The entire group stood in uncomfortable silence for a few moments but then resumed their conversation. Jane and Mr. Bingley walked a little ahead, lost in each other's presence, while Lydia and Kitty hung off Mr. Denny's arms. Mary walked with her nose buried in a book, while Elizabeth walked with the newly introduced Mr. Wickham.

"I take it that you know the Darcy brothers, Mr. Wickham, Elizabeth remarked, wanting to assuage her curiosity regarding the whole exchange.

"You can say that, Mr. Wickham replied mysteriously. Elizabeth wished to enquire further but did not want to flaunt propriety by doing so. Thankfully, Mr. Wickham was more than willing to talk.

"You may be surprised to learn, Miss Elizabeth, that I grew up at the Darcys' estate of Pemberley in Derbyshire. The late Mr. Darcy was my godfather, for my own father was his steward and shared a [3000 words] close relationship with him. Upon his death, the late Mr. Darcy promised my father to sponsor my education so I may be able to make my way through the world.

Elizabeth listened keenly as Mr. Wickham then recounted a tale of such cruelty and deceit that she would never have been able to believe, had she not seen for herself the depth of one's depravity. The more she heard his tale, the more disappointed she was in the world.

"I wish there was something I could do, Mr. Wickham, Elizabeth stated with genuine pity and kindness, "It is not fair that you should be so cruelly treated by the one you trusted.

Mr. Wickham smiled at her. "There may in fact be something you could do, Miss Elizabeth. I would never presume to ask it of you, but...

"If it is in my ability, sir, I will definitely help you, Elizabeth promised blithely. She was unsure of her promise as soon as she heard Mr. Wickham's request, but how could she go back on her words? She was a gentleman's daughter after all.

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Total words till now: 3,185